First West Nile case in Middletown

Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) confirmed a human West Nile virus case in the Middletown area, bringing the state's total cases to seven.

Staff Reports

Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) confirmed a human West Nile virus case in the Middletown area, bringing the state's total cases to seven.

The case is said to be mild and the individual's prognosis is good. Seven cases is the second largest yearly total in state history; surpasses only by 2003 in which there were 17 West Nile virus cases. West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes when they bite.

To avoid mosquito bites and reduce the risk of infection, residents should:

Wear insect repellent containing less than 30 percent DEET for adults; less than 10 percent DEET for children, when outside during spring, summer or fall.Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants in mosquito-infested areas.Avoid being outside during peak mosquito activity such as during dusk, evening or early morning.Drain or remove items that collect water and provide mosquito-breeding habitat such as buckets, rain barrels, old tires, blocked rain gutters and unused swimming pools.For more information, call (302) 739-9917 or visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov.

Affiliated Delaware Papers

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
Smyrna/Clayton Sun-Times ~ 24 W. Main St., Middletown, DE 19709 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service